Here’s the News:

Should I stay or should I go?Of course you should go… It’s the GATOR GAMBLE !!!Did you love the 80’s? And do you love Davidsonville Elementary School? Well, come to the event that is bringing those two things together for one night only! There are raffles, food, drinks, auctions, friends, music, memories & more!

The auction items will be fantastic and 80’s tribute band, “The Reagan Years” will be playing live at this awesome event on Saturday, February 10th. The Gamble raises funds for tons of programs and projects at DES, and we need you to help support the cause. So whether you liked Madonna or Metallica. The Smiths or Def Leppard, you can dust off your duds and come live it again for one special night. Get your tickets now!See the Gator Gamble flier here

Can you name the 80’s movie this quote is from?“How could I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?”(Answer to last week’s quiz: The Breakfast Club)

Best of Luck to our GeoBee’rsStudents in the GeoBee club will be competing at DES on Friday of this week in the National Geographic GeoBee contest. They have all been learning lots of information about the world we live in and now they get a chance to show what they know. We wish you well, and congratulate you all for learning above & beyond! And thanks to program chair, Stacey McCoy, for making this group happen again this year.

Valentine’s Party scheduleIn case you haven’t heard yet, here is the schedule for class Valentine’s parties on February 14. Your room parent should be in touch with you to organize donations and volunteers for your student’s party. Parking may be an issue, so plan ahead and if you have a later party time, plan on having your car out of the bus lot prior to the arrival of buses.Kindergarten 12:30-1:151st Grade 1:45-2:302nd Grade 2:30-3:153rd Grade 2:30-3:154th Grade 3:00-3:455th Grade 2:30-3:15

Special Education Committee hosting eventPlease join us at DES on Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 9:30 am for Dyslexia: Questions and Answers presented by Decoding Dyslexia Anne Arundel County and the DES Reading Specialists. The presentation will cover dyslexia warning signs, types of interventions, and information from the Maryland State Department of Education on dyslexia. Younger children are welcome, but childcare is not provided. There is also an upcoming community event you are invited to join. Decoding Dyslexia Maryland for Dyslexia Advocacy Day will be held on February 8th in Annapolis, see attached information.See the Dyslexia Advocacy 2018 invite here

Reminder: Chess Club begins again Feb 14thIf your student is interested in signing up for the DES Chess Club, you are reminded that registration is due by Feb. 7th. Students in all grades and skill levels are welcome. Chess Club will be held on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 am in the cafeteria for 12 weeks (Feb 14 – May 2) Students will be grouped with others of their same skill level, and taught by the instructors of Silver Knights. Please see the flier for details and the registration form. If there are any questions, you are welcome to contact program chairperson Erin Lawrence at 410-340-3384 or deschessclub@gmail.com.See the DES Chess Club 2018 flier here

Public Service Announcements:

Save the date for the 1st Annual Gator Day Spring Carnival!Hosted by DAA, the event will be on Saturday, May 5th at Davidsonville Park (3042 Patuxent River Road, Davidsonville, MD), from 10 am to 8 pm. Athletic competitions, clinics and combines, along with games, food trucks, silent auction, vendors, and music. Proceeds will benefit the Davidsonville Athletic Association. Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact gatorday@daagators.org.

Here’s the News:

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight?GATOR GAMBLE is February 10thWe need you at the Gator Gamble! Time is running out to buy your tickets to the event and you don’t want to miss the fun, the deals, the music, and the chance to support the school while you’re at it! There will be SO many great items to bid on in the Silent & Live auctions – if you’ve been watching the DES PTO Facebook feed, you’ve seen several teasers already. Don’t miss the awesome Class Baskets and the tubular teacher donations up for bid too. Music by 80’s tribute band “The Reagan Years” will light up the evening and give everyone a chance to show off their best 80’s look. It will be mega-fun, and it’s our chance to raise funds for our school. Be there, or be square dude!

It’s Science Fair Time!All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are invited to enter the DES Science Fair, now called the Innovators Research Expo, to be held on March 23rd. Your student’s science teacher will be discussing the whole thing in classes soon. An information page is attached to let you know more about what’s going on, and what the dates and deadlines are. Please return your Safety Forms (Form #1A or #1B also attached) to your child’s teacher by February 8th.See the DES Science Fair Info. Page hereSee the Safety Forms 1A & 1B here

Summer Fun Center Program updateThe AA County Park & Recreation Dept’s 2018 Summer Fun Center program will be held at DES for 5 weeks from June 20 – July 27. The other 3 weeks will be held at Central Middle School (July 30-August 17) due to the DES gym floor being redone. Walk in registration is on Feb 3 at Arundel High School from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Online registration begins Feb. 7 at 8:00 am. Please visit http://www.aacounty.org/services-and-programs/summer-school-age-child-care or call 410-222-7856 for more information.

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Let’s Dance!!An Awesome 80’s night out at The Gator Gamble, February 10thTickets are selling quickly and the Gator Gamble is coming soon! Enjoy live music by 80’s tribute band, “The Reagan Years” at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis on Saturday, February 10th. The huge silent auction and the very special items in the Live Auction help to raise funds for all of the programs the DES PTO helps to provide. If you’ve never been to the Gamble before, you should know about the great teacher items up for auction too. These kid-focused experiences are priceless and always a popular item to bid for. So come out for a fun evening for a good cause and enjoy the fun, food, and friendship. Get your tickets today!See the Gator Gamble flier here

We need your help with Class Baskets for the GambleThere are a lot of special things at the Gamble, but class baskets tend to generate the most revenue and we need your support. We are working on getting a Chromebook in the hands of every 3rd-5th grader. Individually we can’t do that, but when we work as a team, we can make it happen!! Please send in your donations to your room parent with their name on it. Help us make this an amazingly successful fundraiser by supporting your class basket and joining us for the event–it will be a totally awesome time dudes!!

Chess Club begins again Feb 14th!Registration is now open for all grades and skill levels. Chess Club will be held on Wednesday mornings at 8:15am in the cafeteria for 12 weeks (Feb 14 – May 2) Students will be grouped with others of their same skill level, and taught by the instructors of Silver Knights. Please see attached flier for details and registration form. Registration is due Feb 7th. If there are any questions, please contact Erin Lawrence at 410-340-3384 or deschessclub@gmail.com.See the DES Chess Club 2018 flier here

Math 24 UpdatesJust to note that there will be no Math 24 Club meetings held on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, or Feb. 7. Meetings will resume on Feb. 14th from 4-5 pm. Competition Schedule as follows:Tuesday, 4/10 – 5th Grade Competition at Annapolis High SchoolWednesday, 4/18 – 4th Grade Competition at Annapolis High SchoolWednesday, 4/25 – 3rd Grade Competition at Annapolis High School

In case you missed the Principal’s Newsletter for January“Our morning drop off time starts at 9:15 am daily. Safety Patrols are allowed inside at 9:10 to get to their posts. All other students are expected to wait in their cars, especially during this frigid weather. Please do not drop students early, as there is no supervision provided prior to 9:15 am daily. Thank you.”

Public Service Announcements:

Social Media Info. Event for parents this Wednesday at CMSAll area parents are invited to attend a special event on Social Media and Young People with State’s Attorney Wes Adams. This free event is for anyone who feels they may need help keeping up with their child’s social media use. It will be held at Central Middle School on Wednesday, Jan. 24th at 7 pm in the Student Activity Center. Hosted by the CMS PTSA.

DES Summer Fun Center informationThere has been some discussion of construction work scheduled for this summer at DES and the impact that may have on the AA County Parks & Recreation Dept. annual Summer Fun Center at DES. Parents are advised that while work has been confirmed, the dates have not been set as of yet. If this is of interest to you, you should contact the Parks & Rec. Dept. or watch for info. at: www.aacounty.org/departments/recreation-parks/. Note this is also the website for registration for School Age Child Care (SACC) and the Summer SACC program. Registration for that program begins on February 7th at 8 am.

Summer Camp & Program Fair held February 3rdThe 8th annual Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks’ Summer Camp & Program Fair will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3rd from 10-noon at Arundel High School, 1001 Annapolis Rd., Gambrills, 21054. There will be representatives on-hand to showcase all of the summer camps and programs located throughout the Anne Arundel County area and to answer any questions. They will highlight the Summer Fun Centers, Day Camps, Adaptive Camps, Specialty Camps, Dance, Adult programs and much more. This is a “one stop shop” experience for families where you can register for the summer programs (no Summer SACC registration at the event) four days early. Online registration opens on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. The event is free and offers activities and crafts for kids.

Here’s the News:

Let’s all celebrate and have a good time!*** Tickets are on sale now for the GATOR GAMBLE ***Have you bought tickets yet? You totally should. Break out the parachute pants, the acid-washed jeans, and the hairstyling products. It’s time to step in the DeLorean and enjoy an 80’s night out! This one’s gonna’ be fun and it’s the biggest PTO fundraiser of the year. Live music by “The Reagan Years” will take you back in time for the night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis on Saturday, February 10th.

Enjoy the best silent and live auctions, food, drinks, the music and more for adults only! You won’t believe the great items available to bid on in these auctions! Funds raised at the Gator Gamble will go towards technology improvements and other projects at DES. Order your tickets today for this special night – it will be gnarly to the max, like totally. Get all the details on the order form.See the ticket order form attached

Technology Improvements coming soon!The DES PTO is pleased to announce that we have been working with school staff to help resolve the ongoing need for new technology at the school. In November, the PTO voted to spend nearly $20,000 to purchase 66 new Chromebook laptop computers (used for testing and other needs), as well as two new carts to secure and mobilize the computers. They are on their way now! We are hopeful that a successful Gator Gamble event this year will provide enough funding to purchase even more Chromebooks for our students. We appreciate the support of all our DES families, staff, and PTO members for helping to make this happen. Thank you.

Save the Date for the Gator Gallop 5K / 1 Mile / Fun Run on May 12thThe Gator Gallop is a fun run benefittingDavidsonville Elementary School and is open to everyone. Please join us on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at DAA Park for the 5K (8:00 am), 1 Mile (9:00 am for the kids) or the 100 yard gallop (just after the mile, for 2-11 year olds). It’s a great family event with post-race refreshments, prizes and even a Mascot chase for some added DES fun. You can register starting today at: http://bit.ly/2mqv3WV.

Reminder: Martial Arts program is back for 3rd-5th gradersDES and East Coast Martial Arts are teaming up again for the 2018 Martial Arts Enrichment program! ECMA will offer 6 introductory classes at DES for students in grades 3 – 5, after school beginning Jan. 23rd for only $40. All profits will be donated to the DES PTO. Kids will learn the basics of martial arts and self defense and get to test for their white belt at the end of the program at ECMA Edgewater. See the flier for dates.

This is a great way to start your children in a martial arts program without a long term commitment! Kids with experience are also welcome! Children will be receiving registration papers/waivers starting Jan. 16. Send in forms and payment marked “Martial Arts Program.” Contact Mike Schneider at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com. If students need financial help, contact Mrs. Isett at 410-222-1655, CISETT@AACPS.org.See the flier online

Volunteers at DES, remember to log your hoursHello Volunteers! First: Thank You!!! Next, please log in your hours that you have volunteered for DES online. This includes time spent out of the school. If you went into the school to volunteer, those hours are already tracked when you check in and get your badge. If you have never logged in before, you will need to ask the school secretary to add your e-mail into the system. E-mail Jodi Doney (jodidoney@hotmail.com) with any questions. Please log in at the end of each month and add your hours. It is very important for our school. Thank you!

Public Service Announcements:

DAA Boys Lacrosse registration now openDAA would like to welcome everyone interested in the 2018 season of boys lacrosse to register now at daagators.org. There are groups available for grades K-7. The season kicks off in March, so register soon! Coaches are needed for Scoopers level (K-1st), and DAA will send coaches to a local clinic in Februa

Here’s the News:

Gator Gamble – An 80’s Night Out!Get into the Groove, Get your tickets now!!!Tickets are now on sale for the Gator Gamble! Get out your 80’s gear, bring your friends, and join us at this fun event that supports SO many of the programs and events at DES. The Gamble is set for Saturday, February 10th, and is all new this year with live music by 80’s cover band, “The Reagan Years.” The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and we are expecting a sell out, so get tickets soon.

Enjoy the best silent and live auctions, food, drinks, and a whole lot of fun for adults only! The committee has been working all year to gather great items for the auctions and to make sure everyone has a great night out. We have a limited time offer for discounted hotel rooms (reserve by Jan. 10th), so check the order form for details (Early Valentine’s Getaway???). Order your tickets today for this totally awesome night – you don’t want to miss out on the dancing, the deals, the laughs, or the music, at the “funnest” fundraiser around!See the Gator Gamble 2017 flier here

Did you send in your Book-It calendar?Now that winter break is over, please turn in completed December Book It calendars! In case you misplaced your copy, the December calendar is attached. The January Book It calendar is also attached for you to print at home and have your child log his or her reading in January. Children that participate in the Book It program every month will be invited to a Kona Ice party at the end of the school year.See the December Book It Calendar hereSee the January Book It Calendar here

Green School Club meeting Monday morningThe Green School Club will meet at 8:15 am on Monday morning at DES. At this month’s meeting, the group will be building bluebird houses for installation around the school property. Starting this month, the club will be meeting twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Monday mornings. The Club is always open for new members to join, so fill out the registration form and come see what we’re up to.See the Green School Club flier here

Martial Arts program is back for 3rd-5th gradersDES and East Coast Martial Arts are teaming up again for the 2018 Martial Arts Enrichment program! ECMA will offer 6 introductory classes at DES for students in grades 3 – 5, after school beginning Jan. 23rd for only $40. All profits will be donated to the DES PTO. Kids will learn the basics of martial arts and self defense and get to test for their white belt at the end of the program, followed by a party at ECMA Edgewater. See the attached flier for times and dates.

This is a great way to start your children in a martial arts program without a long term commitment! Kids with experience are also welcome! Children will be receiving registration papers/waivers in their gym classes starting on Jan. 16 or you can contact the Program Chair for forms. Feel free to sign up now! Send in your registration forms and payment in an envelope marked “Martial Arts Program” or bring to the front office. Contact Mike Schneider for forms or questions at 410-693-8967, chayaandmiri@gmail.com. If students need financial assistance, please contact Mrs. Isett (DES School Counselor) at 410-222-1655, CISETT@AACPS.org.See the Winter 2018 ECMA/DES flier here

Public Service Announcements:

Reminder: “Books for Bill” Winter Reading programNavy Athletics would like to invite students to participate in the 2nd Annual “Books for Bill” Winter Reading Program! We encourage students to continue reading over the winter and all participating students to come out and join us for a Navy Men’s or Women’s Basketball game in February at Alumni Hall. Attached is the information to participate in the Books for Bill Winter Reading Program, as well as the reading log page. All ticket orders are due prior to Feb. 9th. For any questions or additional info., please contact Jordan Albright at 410-293-8791 or albright@usna.edu.See the Books For Bill flier hereSee the Books for Bill Reading Log here

Permanent link to this article: http://despto.org/gator-blast-archive-jan-2018/